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Fireable Offenses

Past cover-ups put officials in the hot seat now.

By

Kimberley A. Strassel

Updated June 20, 2002 11:59 p.m. ET

Herewith follows the tale of two forest fires.

The first comes courtesy of Terry Lynn Barton, a U.S. Forest Service employee who stands accused of purposely starting the Hayman fire in Colorado. So far, Hayman has charbroiled 120,000 acres, chased 5,500 people from their houses and destroyed 25 homes. Firefighters fear the fire might rage all summer.